What do I want for Christmas?

[DappledThings]

I hate presents at all times. Most of my family do and for Xmas we do the goat thing.

DH and I have agreed to buy a picture together that we've seen so we're buying that together for each other.

SIL is visiting tomorrow and has asked for suggestions. I usually manage to come up with something but cannot be arsed right now racking my brains. I asked DH why I can't just ask for another goat and he thinks she'll be offended by that.

I don't really wear any make-up or jewellery so that's out. I don't use any expensive toiletries and hate being bought clothes. I don't like gadgets or perfume. I love to read and usually get away with book tokens for my birthday but might get rolled eyes for that this time.

What do you all want? I need an idea I can steal.

I am fucking awful to buy for which is exactly why a goat is perfect but apparently it's not a "proper" present.

Nice chocolates from somewhere like hotel chocolate?

I do like chocolate. SIL has fixed ideas about "proper" presents and considers anything practical or comestible to be unacceptable. But I'll definitely bear it in mind.

Nice wine? Gloves/scarf? A voucher for something eg cinema or favourite clothes shop so you can buy your own?

Voucher for afternoon tea.

Wine also good but see above re comestibles.

Do Primark do vouchers? I only really buy stuff there and supermarkets. I'm quite hapless about clothes and stuff.

There's genuinely nothing superfluous* that would give you a bit of joy that you could suggest to her?

• as in not practical / edible / for the house if that's what she doesn't want to buy. To be honest, I think it's sweet she's still asking for ideas, because if you give off the impression you hate presents, I think I might have given up years ago ........ And I love buying presents for family & friends.

Could you emphasise something nice food or drink-wise, on the grounds it's not an everyday essential, so would still be a treat?

Afternoon tea voucher does sound good. I do love an afternoon tea.

I think I'm concerned that if I don't come up with something approved off I'll somehow cause offence.

Sorry, bold fail there ..... just a star to define what I meant by superfluous ..... but it changed it all bold 😳

I think I might have given up years ago This is my dream!

I honestly can't think of anything.

I think something edible/quaffable but fancy might be the way to go

I collect these Op

www.paperblanks.com/en/

Love them!

Oh no, I find blank notebooks massively intimidating!

So you shop in Primark ..... could you tell her about a lovely pair of pyjamas or jumper you've seen, along with a size? Or the fab fluffy socks they have. Make it something you'll only wear in bed if you fear her own taste!

It's such a shame you want her to give up on presents ..... it's some folks' way of demonstrating they care. I'd hate to think a friend or relative of mine was dreading receiving a gift. Assuming there's no drip-feed backstory, give her a few ideas and let her enjoy the process.

Afternoon tea voucher always good!
A new bag?
A nice diary?
Candles for the house?

Chillys water bottle

drquin Part of the problem is that I hate people choosing clothes for me but also find it incredibly awkward to ask for a specific item. So it's a no-win situation.

vodkaanddietcoke I also hate duplication. So I have a bag. I don't need a new one and having two would just irritate me.

I am a total pain I know.

A subscription to a magazine?

Perfume?

Last year I was given some sheepskin slippers from Celtic & co. They are hands down the best gift I have ever received!

A voucher for a restaurant?

I asked DM for money to an annual meal we go out for in January.

Can you suggest specific books? A relative of mine keeps a list of books he'd like, and passes it round when people want gift ideas. Just thinking it might go down better than asking for a book token.

I bought some slippers last month. Like bags having duplicates would annoy me.

Never remember to wear perfume. Have had one small bottle on the go since 2013.

Can suggest specific books but still find that massively awkward to ask.

I am just like you OP. I don't want anything, and have plenty of toiletries etc that need using up, no need for new ones. However, I am slowly starting to appreciate that always saying 'don't get me anything' is actually the opposite of nice (I always reckoned I was letting people off the hook). People genuinely like to think of and give presents to those they care about. So well done for trying to think of something. We Will Rock You is coming here next year so tickets to That might be nice.

A nice candle. She will enjoy choosing it, if you don't want to use it she'll never know. Donate it to a raffle or charity shop in the new year. And who knows, maybe there will be a grey, miserable day when you quite fancy lighting a candle for a bit of cheer.

I may have found something. Entire books printed on blankets. Thank you Facebook sponsored posts!!